This third album from Billy Idol arrived in 1986 and kept him working with producer Keith Forsey and guitarist Steve Stevens for the 10 tracks. The effort charted at #6 on the Billboard 200 and delivered a trio of singles, where Idol’s signature guitar playing, the lively dance beats and loads of synth helped it sell a couple of million copies. 
The gritty and snarling “Worlds Forgotten Boy” starts the record with Idol’s unmistakable sneer alongside thumping drums and razor-sharp guitar. “To Be A Lover” then follows with a calmer mood, where frisky keys and light bass suit the nearly emotional singing that uses Jocelyn Brown, Connie Harvey and Janet Wright’s soulful backing vocals with much effect.
“Sweet Sixteen” and “Man For All Seasons” finish Side A. The former has Idol playing acoustic guitar and singing poetically via a genuine intimacy. The latter returns to his punk roots with plenty of raw energy, and driving guitars, but not without some softer exploration, too.
Side B opens with the New Wave spirit of “Don’t Need A Gun,” which balances buzzing synth with swift guitars, while “Fatal Charm” thumps with hard rock tendencies. “All Summer Single” and “One Night, One Chance” exit the listen. Both incorporate a lot of influences, where atmosphere and melancholy are present, as are waves of synth and thoughtful wordplay.
You can tell a lot of work went into Whiplash Smile. There are four different people handling keyboards, two bassists and nearly enough engineers to make up a baseball team. Although none of the singles are considered among his legendary, fist-pumping hits, the diversity and strong songwriting made an impression on this first time listener, and further cements Idol as a substantial artist outside his world-renowned anthems.